Z06Tracker

My trailer brake controller has a message saying I have a "short" to the battery, no brakes. Any ideas where I start? Somewhere from the plug that connects to the truck back to the batttery on the trailer?

Thanks in advance for the help.

lefrog

Might just be a problem with your ground cable.
First check at the plug at the back of the truck with a multimeter if you get any voltage between the brake prong and the ground (you should not if you are not pressing the brakes), then the problem is on the truck.
Then use the ohmmeter on the trailer plug between the brake and ground prongs. If the circuit is open, you have a ground problem. If you have any voltage, your breakaway switch is probably at fault (I guess that's what your trailer battery is for).

Z06Tracker

Thanks. I don't have either of those, but this will point me on the right direction when I do. Now have a bigger problem, ice and snow!

lefrog

Get a $5 multimeter at Harbor Freight, they do the job and you can't beat the price: http://www.harborfreight.com/7-funct...ter-98025.html

If you have ice and snow, you need brakes on the trailer unless you want to use the snow banks to stop!

the blur

The battery may be bad.

Z06Tracker

[I think the battery charge was low.after charging, all is working fine now.
QUOTE=the blur;1586161556]The battery may be bad.[/QUOTE]

Z06Tracker

Will do. I am sure it will come in handy over time.

waddisme

Used the mm to trace down problem with my trailer lights (plug gone bad). Trip to our new Tractor Supply and all is good. BTW, my Sears Craftsman mm stopped working, but my HF one is still going strong. Just sayin'

Last C5

If the problem reoccurs and the tester verifies that there is a short, the first place to look for it is inside the female connector housing at the back of the truck. 9 times out of 10 a wire has come loose inside the connector.

Z06Tracker

Thanks....